"Dad" is a 1989 drama film directed by Gary David Goldberg and starring Ted Danson, Jack Lemmon, and Ethan Hawke. The movie revolves around John Tremont (Danson), a workaholic son who has been neglecting his family for years due to his busy work schedule. One day, during a meeting, he receives a call informing him that his mother (Olympia Dukakis) has suffered a heart attack and is in critical condition. He rushes home to be with his family, but unfortunately, his mother passes away soon after his arrival.
Now, John is forced to deal with his grief and also take care of his aging father (Lemmon), who has been diagnosed with dementia. Initially, John has trouble dealing with his father's illness, but gradually, he develops a deeper understanding of his father's life, his sacrifices, and his struggles. The two men start to bond over their shared experience, and John realizes the importance of having a strong relationship with one's family.
However, John's own relationship with his son Billy (Hawke) continues to be strained, and he struggles to communicate with him. Throughout the movie, John navigates his own personal journey and tries to make amends with his son, even as his father's health deteriorates.
"Dad" is a heartwarming family drama that depicts the complexities of family dynamics and the importance of cherishing our loved ones while we still have them. The film was praised for its performances, especially those of Danson, Lemmon, and Hawke, and was a commercial success upon its release. It is widely regarded as one of the best films of its genre and remains a poignant reminder of the power of family bonds.
